Oak Park · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oak Park public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Municipal Employee Compensation and Union Negotiations
Three labor deals are on the consent agenda: a three-year contract with SEIU Local 73 water and sewer workers, plus 2027 alternate work schedule agreements with both police unions. These shape staffing, pay and scheduling for essential Village services.
2026 Property Tax Levy Estimate
The board will set the estimated property tax levy for tax year 2026 at $56,293,924, which triggers the Truth in Taxation public notice before the final levy is adopted. This is the number that shapes next year's Village portion of property tax bills.
FY 2027 Budget Kickoff and Fiscal Outlook
The village's first budget session laid out a balanced operating budget with a proposed 7.94% property tax levy increase. Trustees pushed hard on whether budgeted amounts exceed actual needs, and the full board takes up the budget December 1 with adoption December 8.
Health insurance cost surge
Health insurance costs jumped 17% year over year — about $1.5 million — exceeding the entire corporate levy increase, per Trustee Straw. HR says it will keep working to slow the trend through wellness efforts.
FY 2027 Police and Fire Pension Fund Actuarial Reports and Tax Levy Preparation
The village reviewed actuarial reports showing a required $16.4 million combined contribution for police and fire pensions. Trustees discussed how these growing pension obligations impact the broader operating budget and property tax levy.
FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (Enterprise and Special Revenue Funds)
The village is planning roughly $12.7 million in 2027 capital projects across water and sewer, parking, motor fuel tax, and CDBG funds. Staff highlighted new project identification codes, priority scoring, and reliance on expected revenues without drawing down fund balances, except for motor fuel tax carryovers.
Values-Based Investment Policy and Scoring Rubric
Residents and committee members discussed aligning village investments with community values by excluding fossil fuels, gun manufacturers, and private prisons, while balancing fiduciary responsibilities.
Tiered General Fund Reserve and Fund Balance Framework
A new fund balance policy proposes establishing a 16.67% operating floor, a 20% target, and a 25% upper review level for the general fund, replacing the previous 10-20% range.
External Agency Funding Policy Framework
The village is establishing a standardized policy to review discretionary funding requests from partner agencies and non-profits, aiming for greater predictability and transparency.
Capital Improvement Financing and Bond Issue
The Village is evaluating major financing scenarios to fund its capital improvement program, weighing bond debt against property tax impacts and taxpayer capacity. Officials heard from financial advisors on guardrails, pay-as-you-go strategies, and pension obligations before giving staff direction.
Franchise Accounts and Infrastructure Maintenance Fees
The board explored switching village utility franchise compensation from bill credits to cash infrastructure maintenance fees to help fund sustainability initiatives, prompting requests for equity and rate impact studies.
CDBG Public Services Grant Reallocation
Three organizations awarded federal CDBG public-service grants declined the funds due to unexpected federal requirements, creating a gap in services. The board approved a one-time allocation of General Funds to keep these vital community services whole.
Fiscal Year 2024 Audit and Internal Controls
The village's 2024 financial audit was finalized with a clean opinion, but trustees raised concerns about reporting delays and internal control adjustments.